Any advertisement starts as a series of ideas. An ad agency has a full staff that create ideas for your marketing campaign. They share their vision for your service or product in a meeting. When you hear or see a video or print ad that you feel best represents your firm, you approve the idea for that commercial. The ad agency then works on a script. They'll hire the required actors, vocalists and musicians for the commercial. They take the pressure off. They hire the producers, editors, writers and other critical staff. They film or record the ad and call you back for a viewing.

It's important to approach a company with a clear idea of how you want to advertise. Do you want to be humorous or serious? Are you willing to view both approaches before making a decision? Ask the firm if they have a consumer panel they use to see how well the advertising is received before it is finalized. Think about who you want to reach. Streaming an ad on the internet provides a different audience than late night TV or cable shows. Satellite TV provides a greater reach than a local radio broadcast.

Depending on the media, procedures differ. Movies, television and internet video ads differ to printed promotions. Radio ads require voice actors instead of actual people. Print ads need photos or digital images. Live ads broadcast online or on television require graphics, live actors or music jingles.

A marketing expert usually attends college to earn a degree in advertising. Some attend trade school programs for advertising and graphic arts, and then hone their new skills in on-the-job training. No matter who you choose, ask to look at their portfolio and pricing schedules.

Promotions that are advertised on television and radio often get a lot of attention from consumers. These are good ways to keep your customers informed of the products and services that you can offer them. When you find a marketing agency that knows how to combine music with a funny script, you can make effective radio commercials. Media promotion firms that use music, funny ads, and actors can also be aired on television during primetime or news broadcasts. If you are interested in making a TV or radio commercial for your company, then you should contact several advertising agencies to discuss your options. Many of them have connections with cable, broadcast, and satellite providers that give them access to the spots that you need to reach the most people. Many firms also use product placement and streaming online videos to make the most of your campaign. When you contact the advertising firms, you should ask them what campaigns they have worked on before. Many of them have digital portfolios that you can view on the Internet. These streaming online portfolios should give you a good idea of what types of jingles and scripts they can make for you. Ask the company what types of production they are currently working on to give you a good idea of how much time they can devote to marketing your products on TV and radio. If you feel like they can give you the services that you need, then get price quotes from them. This makes it easy for you to compare the different prices.